I felt so good from the food in New Zealand. Writing to you from Bangkok now where I am spoiled with tropical fruits but missing fresh raw salads in NZ. My week tour in New Zealand's North Island had some of the best food of my life. Some restaurants were very planned and others a shot in the dark. I have so many ideas for great recipes and fun things to make when I get home from NZ! What great inspiration it was. It seemed you could walk in anywhere and get really high quality food throughout the North Island. Check out these awesome restaurants that you simply MUST visit.

1. Little Bird, the Unbakery

Where: AucklandWhat: 100% Vegan and gluten free, organic cafeOrder: The seasonal bird bowl with the best produce of the season with a vegan treat after. Also try their cold brewed organic coffee - yummGood for: Breakfast and lunch

2. The Raw Kitchen

3. Farro Fresh

Where: AucklandWhat: Organic grocery storeOrder: Check out the food case for premade options or pick up some seasonal produce and pasture-raised eggsGood for: Groceries, on the go lunch

4. The River Kitchen

Where: HamiltonWhat: CafeGood for: Breakfast and lunchOrder: Fresh green salad with poached egg and gluten free buckwheat pancakes. Also great for coffee*A note on Hamilton: This small town is where you stop to see Hobbiton and New Zealand's beautiful farmland about 2 hours south of Auckland

5. The Station

Where: TongariroWhat: Restaurant and cafeGood for: Lunch, dinnerOrder: Roasted vegetables*A great stop when coming in and out of Tongariro to hike the crossing